Category: First Contact Entertainment

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PSVR 2 Team Shooter ‘Firewall Ultra’ August Release Date Revealed, Gameplay Trailer Here

First Contact Entertainment announced that Firewall Ultra, its long-awaited team shooter exclusive to PSVR 2, is officially launching on Augst 24th.

Update (July 19th, 2023): First Contact is releasing Firewall Ultra on PSVR 2 on August 24th, opening pre-orders today for $40 for the standard edition, and $60 for the Deluxe Edition.

All pre-orders include a bonus weapon (Reaper X75), however the Deluxe Edition includes four of the game’s contractors, and alternate outfits, four weapon camos, and access to one post-launch Operation Pass.

To see Firewall Ultra in action, check out the new gameplay trailer, linked above and below:

Original Article (February 16th, 2023): Firewall Ultra is the upcoming sequel to the well-recieved squad-based shooter Firewall Zero Hour, which launched on the original PSVR in 2018. While we were hoping to hear news of the sequel’s actual release date, it appears we’ll have to wait a little longer, as the studio announced it’s confirmed for 2023 release.

We didn’t know when it was going to launch when it was initially announced back in September. At the time we speculated it may even be a launch day title, but now given the indefinite ‘2023’ launch window, it seems we’ll be left waiting.

PSVR 2 is set to launch on February 22nd, and to keep the hype for what could become the platform’s most prominent team shooter, the studio also revealed a new character to the lineup. Here’s what First Contact says about the new character, Havoc:

Havoc joins the fray in Firewall Ultra as a brand-new Contractor. With a background as a decorated former elite military operative, he is well-trained, well-conditioned, and well-equipped to get the job done—despite his cocky attitude. He was kicked out of the program after a big disagreement with a superior and is now looking to make a name for himself in the world of private contracting.

In Firewall Ultra, his Conditioned skill increases his resistance to bullet damage and deploys a mine once he’s eliminated from battle.

In the meantime, you can wishlist the PSVR 2 exclusive game here.

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Nearly 4 Years On, PSVR’s Firewall Launches Its Final Season

Just under four years on from launch, PSVR-exclusive Firewall Zero Hour has launched its final season.

The tenth season is fittingly named Operation: X and developer First Contact Entertainment says it isn’t planning any additional seasons past this one. The game will, of course, remain in operation past the end of this season.

Included in Operation: X is the return of legendary weapons alongside 24 missions that allow you to unlock new cosmetics. You’ll need an Ops Pass to access the new content.

This isn’t a massive season by most accounts, then. But First Contact is currently busy working on a brand new game for PSVR 2. No word on what exactly that will be just yet but we’d certainly welcome an official sequel to Firewall. You can keep track of every announced and rumored PSVR 2 game right here.

Firewall first launched in 2018 and quickly grew in popularity on PSVR thanks to its tactical battles that were best experienced with the rifle-shaped Aim controller. It essentially ended up feeling like VR’s answer to Rainbow Six. We gave the game 9/10 back when we did review scores, saying it offered the definitive multiplayer shooter experience on PSVR.

Are you going to be jumping into Firewall’s final season? Let us know in the comments below.

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First Contact Entertainment Working On Unannounced PSVR 2 Title

A LinkedIn page of a First Contact Entertainment employee confirms that the studio is currently working on an unannounced PSVR 2 title.

The confirmation, first spotted by @FaizShaikh7681 on Twitter, comes from Damoun Shabestari’s LinkedIn profile. Shabestari is a Game Director at First Contact, having previously worked on Firewall Zero Hour and Solaris: Offworld Combat.

On his LinkedIn page under experience, Shabestari lists the aforementioned games and then also lists an ‘Unannounced Title (PSVR 2)’.

Firewall: Zero Hour launched in 2018, exclusive to PSVR, and was one of the most successful and popular multiplayer titles on the platform. After Firewall, the studio released Solaris: Offworld Combat in 2021 for Quest, PSVR and PC VR titles.

It’s now been over a year since the release of Solaris. The wording on the LinkedIn page implies that the next unannounced title could be exclusive (either fully or at least at launch) to PSVR 2. Given this, could the studio be working on a sequel to Firewall as an exclusive for PSVR 2? Or if not a Firewall sequel, perhaps the title is simply a new IP for the headset, available at launch or soon after?

With this news, First Contact joins a growing list of developers confirmed to be working on titles for PSVR 2, such as nDreams, Coatsink and Cyan. Plus, we also know that there are PSVR 2 projects in development using Unreal Engine 5.

To catch up on everything else we know about PSVR 2, check out this article. There’s no confirmed release date just yet, but recent reports indicate delays from 2022 to 2023 for both Sony and Apple.

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The VR Job Hub: First Contact Entertainment, SyncVR Medical & University of Westminster

VR Job Hub

Every weekend VRFocus gathers together vacancies from across the virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) industry, in locations around the globe to help make finding that ideal job easier. Below is a selection of roles that are currently accepting applications across a number of disciplines, all within departments and companies that focus on immersive entertainment.

Location Company Role Link
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Lead Game Designer Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Senior Product Manager Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Digital Marketing Manager Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Tech Animator Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment HR Generalist Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Realtime FX Artist Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Senior Technical Artist Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment UX/UI Specialist Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Technical Director Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Lead Engineer Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Senior Game Server Engineer Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Senior Platform Engineer Click Here to Apply
Remote SyncVR Medical Senior Backend Developer Click Here to Apply
Remote SyncVR Medical Senior Frontend Developer Click Here to Apply
Remote SyncVR Medical Senior Full Stack Developer Click Here to Apply
Remote SyncVR Medical Senior Mobile Developer Click Here to Apply
Remote SyncVR Medical Senior Unity Developer Click Here to Apply
Remote SyncVR Medical Business Developer NL/Germany/UK/Nordics Click Here to Apply
London, UK University of Westminster Assistant Technician for XR Lab Click Here to Apply

Don’t forget, if there wasn’t anything that took your fancy this week there’s always last week’s listings on The VR Job Hub to check as well.

If you are an employer looking for someone to fill an immersive technology related role – regardless of the industry – don’t forget you can send us the lowdown on the position and we’ll be sure to feature it in that following week’s feature. Details should be sent to Peter Graham (pgraham@vrfocus.com).

We’ll see you next week on VRFocus at the usual time of 3PM (UK) for another selection of jobs from around the world.

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Firewall: Zero Hour Dev Hiring For ‘Next Generation’ VR Project

Firewall: Zero Hour and Solaris: Offworld Combat developer First Contact Entertainment is developing a “next-generation project” for VR.

As spotted by Zuby_Tech on Twitter, the developer currently has several positions listed on its website, many of which point to a new VR project. Most telling is a listing for a Lead Engineer says the studio is seeking someone to “help us create the next generation of high-end VR games”.

Firewall Dev Working On ‘Next Gen’ VR Game

Other listings make mention of a “AAA VR” project and work on “next generation consoles”.

It’s speculation on our part, but those listings could suggest First Contact could be working on a project that’s compatible with PS5 and/or its upcoming VR headset. Sony is yet to reveal much about the device but we are expecting it to launch in 2022 and we know that the company is already reaching out to developers about it. You can catch up with everything we know about PS5 VR right here.

Plus, it would make sense to see First Contact return to PlayStation after the success of Firewall, which is regarded as one of PSVR’s best multiplayer VR shooters. The game has received continued support since its launch all the way back in 2018 and the studio eventually brought its follow-up title, Solaris, to PSVR too. We’ll have our fingers crossed a potential sequel to either could be on the way.

In other PS5 VR rumors, Sony itself recently acquired The Persistence developer, Firesprite. Yet more job listings confirm the studio is working on a big VR project tied to a popular console IP from the past 10 years.

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Arena Shooter ‘Solaris Offworld Combat’ Comes to PSVR Today

First Contact Entertainment is finally bringing its most recent team VR shooter, Solaris Offworld Combat (2020), to PSVR today.

First launched on Oculus Quest and Rift late last year, the 4v4 arena shooter has struggled to replicate the same level of fanfare as the studio’s mil-sim team shooter, Firewall: Zero Hour (2018). Solaris focuses on fast-paced action, quick respawns, and abstracts away most all of the shooting realism which has seemed to have hooked diehard Firewall fans over the last few years.

Built around its ‘Control Point’ game mode, which is essentially a constantly shifting game of ‘King of the Hill’, Solaris pits players against each other to either reach the score limit, or have the most points before the five-minute round is over. We went hands-on before it launched last year on Quest and Rift, and you can read our full impressions here.

It’s a well-made game that is possibly too simplistic in some respects. The PSVR version however supports both DualShock 4 and PSVR Aim, which seem better suited to the single-handed nature of the game’s gunplay. It’s uncertain to what extent the game will support cross-play with the Quest/Rift versions though, and it seems we’ll have to wait until later today to find out.

In an effort to drum up support, the studio is offering 50% off for PlayStation Plus subscribers for the first two weeks after launch, putting Solaris at just $12.50. If you’re curious to see Solaris is action on Quest, check out our five-minute gameplay video below:

The post Arena Shooter ‘Solaris Offworld Combat’ Comes to PSVR Today appeared first on Road to VR.

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Solaris Offworld Combat Available On PSVR Today, 50% Off For PS Plus Members

Solaris Offworld Combat is available from today on PlayStation VR for PS5 and Ps4 consoles, with a 50% discount over the next two weeks for PlayStation Plus members.

Solaris released on Quest and PC VR late last year, and the PSVR release was meant to arrive around the same time. However, delays saw it pushed into 2021 and then into May, with a separate physical release planned for June. From today, the game is finally out for PSVR players on PS4 and PS5. The big bonus is that the game will be discounted for the next two weeks for anyone that is subscribed to PlayStation Plus, available at 50% off. No doubt this is a shot and getting lots of players into the game at launch.

Given Solaris is an online-based competitive VR shooter, a PS Plus subscription is pretty much a requirement to play the game. Because of that, most people who are interested probably already have a subscription and will benefit from the discount automatically. That being said, if you’re not a PS Plus member and you’re definitely going to pick up Solaris, subscribing to PS Plus before purchasing the game will probably save you some money.

As you would hope from a shooter on the PSVR platform, Solaris also supports using the Aim controller for those that own it, otherwise the DualShock 4 is also an option.

When the game released for Rift and Quest back in September, we deemed it ‘sci-fi Quake for the VR age’ and thought it was a great experience overall, despite some minor nitpicks. You can read the full review here.

Solaris Offworld Combat is available on PSVR now, alongside PC VR and Oculus Quest.

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Solaris: Offworld Combat Gets PSVR Physical Launch In June, Planned Digital Release In May

Solaris: Offworld Combat is coming to PSVR this June with a physical release from Perp Games. According to a First Contact Entertainment representative, the digital version is planned to release a month earlier in May.

Perp Games 👾🎮 on Twitter: “We’re not finished just yet. Solaris Offworld Combat is the next game to be getting a physical box release. Coming in June to global markets! Will you be buying it? https://t.co/5sphrqsh10” / Twitter

Solaris: Offworld Combat on PSVR

Originally, Solaris was coming to PSVR late last year around the same time as the Quest and PC VR version of the game but got delayed. Now, it’s slated for release in just a couple of months.

The latest VR shooter from First Contact Entertainment (creators of Firewall Zero Hour) is a sci-fi competitive VR shooter that feels a bit like Quake in VR due to its speed and intense arena levels. It’s a very breezy, fast-paced game that’s accessible and easy to quickly jump in and out of. The closest comparison is probably Hyper Dash.

Soalris is a notable release because other than Firewall Zero Hour, there really haven’t been many options for shooter fans on PSVR. Alvo is coming soon too, but the headset is on its last legs at this point.

The PS Aim Controller continues to be one of the best things about the PSVR platform, so I’m all for seeing more games support it, but it’s a shame games like this didn’t hit PSVR earlier in its life cycle. Hopefully PSVR 2 on PS5 is backwards compatible and it can give late-life cycle games like this one new life when it releases.

Solaris is coming to PSVR very soon with a planned digital release in May and physical release from Perp Games in June. For more on this game make sure and read our Solaris: Offworld Combat review and stay tuned for all the latest in VR.

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The VR Job Hub: nDreams & First Contact Entertainment

VR Job Hub

Every weekend VRFocus gathers together vacancies from across the virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) industry, in locations around the globe to help make finding that ideal job easier. Below is a selection of roles that are currently accepting applications across a number of disciplines, all within departments and companies that focus on immersive entertainment.

Location Company Role Link
Farnborough, UK nDreams Junior Environment Artist Click Here to Apply
Farnborough, UK nDreams Animator Click Here to Apply
Farnborough, UK nDreams Senior Animator Click Here to Apply
Farnborough, UK nDreams Senior Tech Programmer Click Here to Apply
Farnborough, UK nDreams Environment Artist Click Here to Apply
Farnborough, UK nDreams Programmer Click Here to Apply
Farnborough, UK nDreams Producer Click Here to Apply
Farnborough, UK nDreams Senior Environment Artist Click Here to Apply
Farnborough, UK nDreams Character Artist Click Here to Apply
Farnborough, UK nDreams Game Director Click Here to Apply
Farnborough, UK nDreams Senior Level Designer Click Here to Apply
Farnborough, UK nDreams Senior Unreal Network Programmer Click Here to Apply
Farnborough, UK nDreams Brand Manager Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Senior Product Manager Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Digital Marketing Manager Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Tech Animator Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment HR Generalist Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment UX/UI Specialist Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Environment Artist Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Senior Technical FX Artist Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Senior Lighting Artist Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Lead Environment Artist Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Senior Quality Assurance Tester Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Lead Engineer Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Senior Gameplay Engineer Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Tools Engineer Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Senior Game Server Engineer Click Here to Apply
Santa Monica, CA First Contact Entertainment Senior Platform Engineer Click Here to Apply

Don’t forget, if there wasn’t anything that took your fancy this week there’s always last week’s listings on The VR Job Hub to check as well.

If you are an employer looking for someone to fill an immersive technology related role – regardless of the industry – don’t forget you can send us the lowdown on the position and we’ll be sure to feature it in that following week’s feature. Details should be sent to Peter Graham (pgraham@vrfocus.com).

We’ll see you next week on VRFocus at the usual time of 3PM (UK) for another selection of jobs from around the world.

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Squad Up in Solaris Offworld Combat’s Pre-Match Lobby Update

Solaris Offworld Combat

A couple of days ago First Contact Entertainment announced that its arena shooter Solaris Offworld Combat would be getting its PlayStation VR launch this Spring. Today, current players on Oculus Quest and Rift will get a new update further improving the title’s squad functionality.

Solaris Offworld Combat

Being introduced is an all-new pre-match warm-up lobby so players can settle in before each match. Here they’ll be able to explore the map, pick up weapons, practice ejecting opponents and, of course, chat with teammates. Once at least four players have joined Solaris Offworld Combat will start a match a few minutes later rather than waiting for a full roster of 8 players. As players get used to the system First Contact Entertainment will roll out further improvements based on feedback.

The 1.06 update includes the ability to communicate with your squad whilst in the squad menu thanks to the addition of Vivox. The studio has also tuned the shotgun so that it stays effective at close to medium range but its long-range damage is greatly reduced. Players will notice that the update has removed Vortex Prime from the map rotation.

Solaris Offworld Combat might be a 4v4 team-based shooter like First Contact Entertainment’s other FPS Firewall Zero Hour but that’s where the similarities end. Released for Oculus headsets in September 2020 Solaris Offworld Combat pits teams in a singular gameplay mode called ‘Control Point’. Once players spawn they have to rush to a designated area and hold it for as long as possible, building up their points in the process before the highlighted location moves.

Solaris Offworld Combat

This is made all the more difficult as you don’t select your loadout. Everyone starts equally, with a pistol. As you explore the arena more weapons can be found like rail guns or rocket launchers to give you that edge. Plus there are other useful items hidden around like health and shields.

The PlayStation VR launch this Spring won’t just give players another reason to use their PlayStation Aim controller, Solaris Offworld Combat will feature cross-play support, expanding the online community.

VRFocus will continue its coverage of Solaris Offworld Combat, reporting back with further updates.